Making sense of

homeopathy

Making sense of homeopathy

What is homeopathy?

How do the remedies work?

Why do people choose homeopathy?

What happens when people consult a homeopath?

How do I take the remedy?

What if the remedy doesnt seem to be working?

What if Im taking other medication?

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What about side effects?

10

How should I go about getting treatment?

11

Some examples of homeopathic treatment

Arsenicum album and anxiety

12

Veratrum album and schizophrenia

13

Aurum metallicum and depression

14

Natrium muratum and Ignatia for depression and anxiety

15

References

15

Useful organisations

16

Further reading and order form

18

Making sense of homeopathy

This booklet is an introduction to homeopathic medicine,

and describes how homeopathy can help people who have
mental health needs. It offers practical advice about getting
treatment, but is not intended as a guide to individual
remedies.

What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a safe, effective system of medicine that uses
very diluted natural ingredients to help the body to heal itself
and to build up its resistance to illness. It's been used successfully,
worldwide, for about two hundred years.
Homeopathy is a 'holistic' system of medicine. It views good
health as a natural balance of both the physical and mental
sides of you as a whole person. It recognises that symptoms of
ill health are expressions of inner disharmony, and that it is the
patient who needs treatment and not the disease. The remedies
therefore tackle the cause of someone's illness, rather than merely
preventing or reducing the symptoms. For this reason, the
remedies need to be tailored to the individual to be effective, and
this means that buying them over-the-counter, without consulting
a qualified practitioner, may be a waste of time and money.

How do the remedies work?

Homeopathy is based on the principle of 'like cures like'; that
substances that cause symptoms in healthy people will cure
those symptoms in someone who is not well. The idea behind
a homeopathic remedy is that by mimicking the disease it will
stimulate the body to correct itself in a way that it hasn't yet
managed to do on its own.

As an example, cutting a strong onion can produce stinging,

runny eyes, a sore throat and an acrid, runny nose. A homeopath
would prescribe the homeopathic remedy made from onion
(Allium cepa) for a patient who had a cold with these particular
symptoms. Conventional medicine (known as allopathic medicine)
tries to deal with the chemistry of the symptoms and treats them
with something that is their opposite, rather than something
that is similar. By doing so, the body still goes on trying to produce
the symptoms.
A homeopathic remedy contains only a very tiny amount of
active ingredient. To prepare it, a substance is diluted many, many
times over, and shaken (or 'succussed') in a particular sequence.
An ingredient may be diluted in up to one hundred parts of
water or alcohol. This process of dilution may be repeated
anywhere from five times up to hundreds of times, or more,
depending on the remedy. Its believed that the more dilute the
remedy, the more powerful it becomes. The amounts involved
are so small that it has lead to doubts about whether they can
have any effect. Studies with patients have shown that they
do, but the evidence is not conclusive. Science can't yet explain
how homeopathy works, but there are various theories about
how energy behaves at sub-atomic levels that may prove relevant.
Information about remedies comes from the books known as
Materia medica. The first was compiled through the experiments
of Samuel Hahnemann (the German doctor who first established
homeopathy) and his successors. They themselves took repeated
doses of medicines, while they were healthy, in order to record
the symptoms they produced. Through this process, and through
the working experience of practitioners, the knowledge about
what to use for which conditions has gradually been built up.

Why do people choose homeopathy?

People try homeopathy for all sorts of reasons: because they hear
from others that it has worked; because they feel it's natural
and believe it's likely to have fewer side effects than conventional
medication, or because they prefer its holistic approach. People
also like the idea of having more control over their own treatment.
Others turn to homeopathy because conventional medicine has
let them down, or because they want to relieve the side effects
caused by the prescription medicines they need to take.
Many people have used homeopathic remedies, successfully, in
one-off situations. Arnica is one of the most well-known remedies,
found in many households and used to treat bruising and shock
after injury. But homeopathy can also be the best method of
treating long-standing complaints, when used as part of a
holistic approach to health. This means that the homeopath will
look at the person as a whole and work out whether there are
underlying medical, emotional or lifestyle factors that may be
having some influence on their symptoms.

What happens when people consult a

homeopath?
Homeopathy aims to tackle the underlying causes of ill health,
as well as to relieve the symptoms that made someone seek help
in the first place. The homeopath will want to get a very clear
picture of the way that person is feeling and what is contributing
to it. Each of us is prone to ill health in a different way. Our
constitution (our natural physical and mental make-up), our
lifestyle, past experiences, diet, emotional and medical history,
present behaviour and current problems will all affect our state
of health. The current and past health of family members will
also be relevant.

Your first consultation may take between an hour and an

hour-and-a-half. The homeopath may ask questions about any
and all of these matters, and will be interested in finding out
the timing of symptoms that cause trouble, what triggers them,
and what feelings come up. The practitioner may also ask about
food likes and dislikes, sleeping patterns and what makes you
feel nervous or uncomfortable.
He or she will want to hear about all of your symptoms, although
they may seem to you to be entirely unconnected. Conventional
medicine might treat them separately, but they will all be part and
parcel of the same problem and need to be treated in relation
to each other.
By building up a detailed picture, the homeopath can prescribe
a remedy based on your particular symptoms and the way in
which your condition shows itself. A diagnosis such as
schizophrenia or manic depression (bipolar disorder), although
useful to the practitioner, is only a label that can't reveal the
individual condition. Its common for two patients with apparently
similar illnesses to be treated with very different remedies.

How do I take the remedy?

Remedies come from natural sources, mostly vegetable or mineral,
and often have the same origins as conventional medicines. They
usually come in tablet form (although in some cases they are
prescribed as a liquid). The soft tablets dissolve rapidly in the
mouth; hard tablets may be chewed. Both have a pleasant taste.
The tablets need to be handled as little as possible and it's also
best to avoid putting anything in your mouth for 15 minutes
before and after taking them. Some homeopaths suggest that
coffee, camphor, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus and other
strong-smelling substances should be avoided, because they
may interfere with the remedies. (Opinions vary about whether
prescription medications may interfere; see p. 10.)
Because they stimulate the body's natural healing powers,
remedies can have a long-lasting effect, and you may not have
to take them every day. Your practitioner will decide what the
dose should be, depending on whats wrong. He or she will take
into account any other medication you are taking, as well as any
other outside influences that may interfere with the action of
the remedy.

What if the remedy doesn't seem to be

working?
Patients often experience a sense of wellbeing after taking a
remedy, but sometimes it can be hard to tell whether the
treatment is working. To begin with, it may be a question of
feeling more able to cope with things in general, rather than
noticing a particular improvement in the condition you are
seeking help for.
Occasionally, symptoms may appear slightly worse for a short
time. This is generally a good sign, showing that the remedy is
taking effect. Sometimes a cold, a rash or a discharge may appear,
as the system goes through a 'cleansing phase'. Discuss with the
practitioner any symptoms that appear after taking a remedy.
Follow-up interviews will generally take place at monthly intervals.
Practitioners do their best to choose the most suitable remedy
at a first consultation, but it can take time to arrive at a proper
understanding of the case, and you may need to be patient until
the full picture has emerged. How long the treatment takes will
vary according to the complaint, but usually the longer you've
had the problem, the more time is needed to treat it.

What if I'm taking other medication?

Homeopathic remedies are able to work well alongside most
other medicines, because they are so highly diluted that they
won't chemically interact with other drugs. However, if you have
been prescribed any medication by your GP, psychiatrist or other
health-care professional, it's very important that you don't stop
your treatment without first talking this over with them. Any
health-care professional involved in your treatment should be
told about your intention to ask for homeopathic help. Your
homeopathic practitioner should be happy to arrange this for you.
Side effects caused by medication can be very distressing. These
can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia,
nausea, weight gain, loss of energy, headaches, sweating, and
involuntary movements. Homeopathic remedies chosen to combat
symptoms encourage the body to put right these effects. Continue
taking the remedy on a regular basis for as long as you are on
the medication.

What about side effects?

Because of the dilution process that is part of their preparation,
homeopathic remedies should be free from side effects. They
are also non-habit-forming. However, if someone takes a
particular remedy, consistently, over a period of time, when it's
not indicated, they could begin to experience symptoms of that
remedy. For example, Coffea, which is a remedy made from the
coffee bean, is useful for treating insomnia accompanied by
nervousness, restlessness, and over-sensitivity. However, if this
remedy is taken for any length of time without these symptoms
being present, you may notice them beginning to emerge. Once
you stop, the symptoms should quickly disappear. This highlights
the importance of getting advice from a professional before
taking a remedy.

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How should I go about getting treatment?

Homeopathic remedies should only be taken after consultation
with a suitably qualified practitioner. It's always helpful if you
can go to someone who has been recommended to you. In any
case, you should check whether the practitioner is a qualified
member of a recognised professional organisation, as well as
finding out details of their training and experience. Practitioners
may work in their own consulting rooms, in natural health clinics
and, sometimes, in GP surgeries. The list of Useful organisations,
on p. 16, provides details of a number of organisations with
registers of qualified practitioners.
A first consultation may cost from 40. Further consultations are
shorter and will cost less.
There are some GPs or conventional medical doctors who practise
homeopathy, and, in theory, all GPs should be able to refer you
to one of the homeopathic hospitals. Alternatively, many health
insurance schemes are prepared to pay towards complementary
medicine.

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Some examples of homeopathic

treatment

The particular remedies featured here have been chosen

to illustrate homeopathic treatment. This does not mean
that the remedies prescribed in these cases will help you.
Every case should be assessed by a qualified practitioner.

Arsenicum album and anxiety

People who need Arsenicum album usually have a range of
symptoms that are characterised by anxiety, panic attacks and
obsessive behaviour. Physically, they are often extremely lacking
in energy. They may feel very restless and are frequently sensitive
to cold. Typically, people are worse at night, and insomnia is also
a common complaint.
Jane wanted homeopathic treatment because she was having
panic attacks. She woke, regularly, in the early hours of the
morning with palpitations, feeling sick, covered in perspiration
and finding difficulty breathing. She would pace through the
house trying to find a place where she could relax, but found
herself becoming more and more wound up, until she was
convinced she was going insane.
She had always been well organised at home and in her work,
able to juggle a home life with two children and a very
demanding job. Her home was very orderly, as was her desk at
work, but she was finding it increasingly difficult to cope if things
were out of place. Her perfectionism drove her to work extremely
hard, and she had an intense fear of failure.
When she was asked to take on responsibility for another
department, the stress proved to be too much and she felt that
she was losing control.

12

This pressure instigated the panic attacks and anxiety, which in

turn led to a gradual yet steady decline in her health. She had
sought help from a variety of health professionals.
Jane was prescribed Arsenicum album because of the symptoms
of anxiety, and her need to keep everything under control. One
month later, she reported that she was sleeping much better and
felt much calmer in herself. Once her course of treatment was
completed, she felt able to start addressing some of the problems
she was experiencing at work, as well as letting go of some of
the expectations she had been holding on to.

Veratrum album and schizophrenia

Veratrum album is for depression, loss of self-confidence and
brooding. The remedy is often used for people who have been
given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or manic depression.
Mark and his wife ran a successful business together. Mark's uncle
had suffered from schizophrenia, since his early twenties, and
Mark's father had been through bouts of depression at stressful
points in his life. Mark, however, had always been very healthy,
confident, and successful. He sought homeopathic treatment
following a complete nervous and mental breakdown.
His wife had left him suddenly, and Mark was left with serious
debts to pay off, which meant he was forced to move into cheap
lodgings. The shock was immense, and he found it very hard
to accept the change to his accustomed lifestyle. He became
preoccupied with religious thoughts, which gradually dominated
his life. He believed he was hearing voices from God telling him
how to save the world. Eventually, a diagnosis of schizophrenia
was made.

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During his first homeopathic consultation, Mark described an

intense sensation of coldness throughout his body. He felt as if
ice-cold water was running through his veins, rather than blood.
He also developed a strong craving for sour food and, in particular,
for lemons or similar fruit. These symptoms helped the practitioner
to arrive at a suitable prescription of Veratrum album.
Mark used the homeopathy alongside the psychiatric help he was
receiving. Together with the medication and counselling, it enabled
him to tackle his problems and make good progress.

Aurum metallicum and depression

This remedy is used to treat deep depressive and suicidal states,
accompanied by feelings of isolation and despair. It tends to suit
high-achievers. Things can fall apart for such people when these
goals are frustrated in some way. Individuals needing this remedy
tend to be very idealistic and can be devastated by disappointment
in love. They may also have strong religious convictions.
Paul had worked for a large company for some time. His hard
work had quickly resulted in his rise to management. When a
hoped-for promotion went to a relative newcomer, Paul began
to experience intense feelings of worthlessness and depression.
During his first homeopathic consultation, he admitted that he
had felt depressed, in some way, all his life, as if there had always
been a dark cloud over him. As a child, it seemed to him that
his parents would withdraw their love if he didn't meet their
expectations. He had always tried to do his best to avoid rejection.
He had learned from an early age to be independent and not
to show any weaknesses. Following a prescription of Aurum
metallicum, Paul reported feeling much better in himself, as if
some lightness had finally entered his life.

14

Natrium muriaticum and Ignatia for depression

and anxiety
The National Homeopathic Service (see p. 17), are running studies
on treatments for mental health problems. These are highlighting
the importance of grief and sadness as major triggers of
depression and anxiety, along with feelings of abandonment.
Natrium muriaticum (salt) and Ignatia are proving to be the
remedies most prescribed for this, at present, although no case
material is currently available.
The key characteristics a homeopath might look for in prescribing
Natrium muriaticum include: emotional vulnerability; sensitivity
to music; avoidance of any risk of being hurt; a tendency to dwell
too much on the past, and ailments connected to feelings of grief.
Before prescribing Ignatia, a homeopath might look for key signs
including: emotional sensitivity; a habit of sighing; conflicts
between feelings and reality; a strong desire, especially in women,
to prove themselves, which might express itself in polical activity,
such as feminism.

References
Clinical trials of homeopathy (1991) J. Kleijnen, P. Knipschild,
G. ter Riet (British medical journal 302, 316-323)
The concordant materia medica F. van Vermeulen
(Merlijn Publishers)
The organon of medicine (6th ed.) S. Hahnemann (B. Jain)
Repertorium homeopathicum syntheticum ed. Dr F. Schroyens
(Homeopathic Book Publishers)
Thataks materia medica Dr S. R. Thatak (Foxlee-Vaughan
Publishing Ltd)

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Useful organisations

Mind
Mind is the leading mental health organisation in England and
Wales, providing a unique range of services through its local
associations, to enable people with experience of mental distress
to have a better quality of life. For more information about any
mental health issues, including details of your nearest local Mind
association, contact the Mind website: www.mind.org.uk or
MindinfoLine on 0845 766 0163.
British Homeopathic Association
Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street West, Luton LU1 3BE
tel. 0870 444 3950
fax: 0870 444 3960
email: info@trusthomeopathy.org
web: www.trusthomeopathy.org
Publishes a resister of practitioners who are healthcare
professionals
The Homeopathic Medical Association
6 Livingstone Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5DZ
tel. 01474 560 336
fax: 01474 327 431
email: info@the-hma.org
web: www.the-hma.org
Publishes a register of practitioners
The National Homeopathic Service
127a Fortess Road, London NW5 2HR
tel. 0207 284 0954
A registered charity promoting access to complementary
medicines among disadvantaged groups in the community

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The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital

Greenwell Street, London W1W 5BP
tel. 020 7391 8833
fax: 020 7391 8865
patient services: 020 7391 8888
web: www.uclh.org/about/rlhh.shtml
The leading centre for complementary medicine in the NHS
The Society of Homeopaths
11 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park
Northampton NN3 6WL
tel. 0845 450 6611
fax: 0845 450 6622
email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
web: www.homeopathy-soh.org
Publishes a register of practitioners

Useful websites
web: www.helios.co.uk
For mail order remedies
web: www.ainsworths.com
For mail order remedies
web: www.weleda.co.uk
For mail order remedies

17

Further reading and order form

18

Healing minds J. Wallcraft (Mental Health Foundation 1998)

12
How to cope with panic attacks (Mind 2004) 1
How to cope with sleep problems (Mind 2003) 1
How to improve your mental wellbeing (Mind 2004) 1
How to increase your self-esteem (Mind 2003) 1
How to stop worrying (Mind 2004) 1
Learn to sleep well (DBP 2000) 9.99
Making sense of antidepressants (Mind 2004) 3.50
Making sense of antipsychotics (major tranquillisers)
(Mind 2004) 3.50
Making sense of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) (Mind
2004) 3.50
Making sense of counselling (Mind 2004) 3.50
Making sense of herbal remedies (Mind 2004) 3.50
Making sense of minor tranquillisers (Mind 2003) 3.50
Making sense of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis
(Mind 2004) 3.50
Making sense of sleeping pills (Mind 2004) 3.50
The Mind guide to food and mood (Mind 2004) 1
The Mind guide to managing stress (Mind 2003) 1
The Mind guide to massage (Mind 2004) 1
The Mind guide to physical activity (Mind 2004) 1
The Mind guide to relaxation (Mind 2004) 1
The Mind guide to spiritual practices (Mind 2004) 1
The Mind guide to yoga (Mind 2004) 1
Relaxation: exercises and inspirations for wellbeing
Dr S. Brewer (DBP 2003) 4.99
Understanding anxiety (Mind 2003) 1
Understanding depression (Mind 2004) 1
Understanding manic depression (bipolar disorder) (Mind
2003) 1
Understanding mental illness (Mind 2004) 1

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This booklet was written by Toni Douglas-Gooden, Susan Salmon and Inez Claus
First published by Mind 2001. Revised edition Mind 2004
ISBN 1 903567-15-7
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